Fungal Pathogen Detection

Traditional culture techniques can take weeks, falling short in terms of specificity, sensitivity, and time-to-diagnosis. Using molecular methods offers several features that overcome the current shortcomings for the diagnosis of fungal infections. RT-PCR assays have detection limits of a few gene copies per reaction, providing the ability to detect a fraction of an organism. RT-PCR provides rapid pathogen detection and confirmation and can detect co-morbid pathogens that fail to grow by culture. Providing rapid results helps patients avoid unnecessary drug exposure by guiding physicians toward effective courses of treatment.

PATHMD offers an RT-PCR-based Fungal Detection Panel that detects 20 pathogens and 1 antibiotic resistance marker (mecA for Oxacillin resistance) from nail clippings or Wound Swabs (Copan eSwab) within 48 hours.

Accurate and prompt identification of pathogens is key to proper treatment for patients suffering from a fungal infection. Foot and Nail fungal infection is estimated to occur in over a billion people each year. It is the cause of roughly 50% of nail deformities and effects approximately 14-18% of adults.